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| Source: decoratrix.com |
Garments should never be put away
when soiled; some stains, if not
removed, will deepen in colour and be found indelible when the garment is taken
out. Soiled garments are more likely to
be attacked by moths than those that are fresh and clean, since it is the
traces of dirt, perspiration, skin ans food left on the clothes that the grubs
will feed on as they hatch and grow. Careful
cleaning and wrapping are actually better protection than repellents.
Plenty of coat hangers should be provided, so that garments, slips and negligees may all have their own places.
Care should be taken that garments do not become wrinkled, stretched or change colour when stored. Suits, shirts, coats and dresses are
better cared for it hung, but should
be covered. If it is necessary to
fold any garment, try to have the folds like those into which the garment falls
when in use.
Dainty coloured garments may fade unless stored
in the dark, and white garments
if covered with dark blue tissue
paper seem less likely to turn yellow.
Protection from moths
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| Source: ronniearias.com |
Clothes moths will attack any fabric of animal
origin, namely: furs, woollens, cashmere and silks,
and these are rendered particularly appetising if they aren´t completely clean
when stored.
Cottons, lines and synthetics are safe. Constant vigilance is needed to keep your expensive woollens and
silks safe, with an annual emptying and
cleaning out of the wardrobe the most effective means of nipping infestations
in the bud.
Old wardrobes and chests often used to be made entirely of aromatic cedar wood, since this is found offensive by moths and other
insect life, and will even kill young larvae if the wood is fresh. Sand the
inner surfaces of old cedar drawers to revive the scent, or put a few drops of
moth oil on the wood before renewing drawer liners. Keeping clothes well covered while in store, cleaning them properly before putting away, and ensuring that the
storage is kept tighly closed when not deliberately opened for airing, will go
a long way towards keeping moths at bay.
There are numeous chemical moth killing papers, bags and gadgets to be
had, but these seem to irritate the sensitive lining of the nose until they are
too weak to be useful! By far the best remedy is protection so follow careful
wardrobe hygiene, and use aromatic oils to persuade any passing moths that they
would be happier somewhere else!
The aroma of cedar, or rosemary,
lavender, artemesia, or strongly scented old geraniums, will all serve to ward off any moths looking for a new home.
To be perfectly sure that your clothes are safe from moth attack, and to
keep your wardrobe smelling sweet, all woollen,
silken, fur and cashmere items should be aired in the sunshine every spring,
and brushed thoroughly while outside. While you leave your garments hanging
all about the orchard trees, the wardrobe and drawers should be carefully swept
or vacuumed out to remove all trace of fluff and lint, where moth eggs might be
lurking. While you work, any evidence of moth attack will be quickly spotted,
and the fresh air and sunshine will see off anything living.
Shoes
Shoes boxes may be built on the floor of closets if there is height enough to place the rod so
garments will not rest on the box. Shoe
bags which protect the shoes from dust, or shoe racks which hold the shoes by the hell, may be fastened to the cupboard door.
(From the book How to Take Care of your Clothes, C. Leavey)
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